SEPTEMBER 26,2022PUMPKIN SEEDS
As the month of October approaches we start to think about pumpkins ( Cucurbita pepo )and the Halloween holiday. The seeds of the garden pumpkin are cultivated in many forms.The seed of the Far East has medicinal benefits. Where in the Far East these seeds are chewed there is a definite less incidence of prostate disease, The oil of this seed contains many active constituents as beta sitosterol, tocopherols and cucurbitacins.
It has been established through readings and research that only one variety of this pumpkin seed has medicinal value. It is known as Granufink in a preparation .The action consists of increased tonicity of the bladder muscles combined with relaxation of the sphincter. You get decongestion of the prostate and relief in prostatism. There are no known side effect to this preparation. You administers 1-2 tablespoons in cold foods . The same preparation is in another formula called Prosta Capsules. I use a ProstaTone tincture as well as nettle root tea combined with oatstraw and other herbs as saw palmetto. I have seen other herbalists use saw palmetto with echinacea.
There are many herbal treatments for prostate disease that are useful. I would seek out a formula that is right for you
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 YOUR GENES APO E
The ApoE ( or apolipoprotein E) protein is found on chlymicrons and other lipoproteins particles. There are three different known varieties of the ApoE gene ( e2,e3,e4) and six combinations of expressions based on these two alleles. It is now known that the E3/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of atherosclerosis and the Apo E4/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's Disease ( AD). Testing is straight forward if your doctor knows the right test to do. The test I have done when non covered and now covered by insurance is the Berkley Heart Laboratory Testing. The testing is straight forward - the following genotypes and their recommendations.
There are six possible Apo E genotypes
e2/e2
e3/e3
e4/e4
e2/e3
e3/e4
e2/e4
1. e3/e3 or e2/e4 e3 is considered normal with no associated risk factors
e3/e3 is the most common genotype (60% of the general population
2. e2/e2 or e2/e3 e2 carriers with high cholesterol and TG respond to 'statin' therapy
These carriers do not respond to a low fat diet
e2 carriers have a positive response to drinking alcohol
e2 carriers have a low LDL but a high TG(triglyceride)
e2/e2 more than likely with develop a type III hyperlipoproteinemia
type III hyperlipoproteinemia has yellow plaques - xanthomas
3. e3/e4 associated with high levels of LDL and TG
higher incidence of development of early cardiovascular disease -
may not respond to 'conventional' statin therapy
may do well with a low - fat diet
4. e4/e4 higher incidence for the development of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
So what does all this mean ? I would see our doctor , Thea Marx, naturopathic doctor and have your genes examined. Get a comprehensive look at your 23andme, or genomic insight It is a well worth appointment
She will analyze these tests , discuss a dietary lifestyle change based on your blood type . She studied with Dr Peter D’Adamo- Eat Right for Your Blood Type.
Until tomorrow
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 WHY GREEN TEA
Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and for good reason. It has a ton of health benefits that include reducing inflammation, cancer and diabetes support and improving brain function. For years I have discussed the benefits of green tea ( Camilla sinensis ) Americans do not drink nearly as much green tea as in other parts of the world.
There are bullet point statements about green tea that will make you want to start drinking 1- 3 cups per day.
Supports healthy weight loss
Support good blood glucose levels
Can reduce arthritis symptoms
Prevention of cancer
Can reduce inflammation of the body
Helps lower blood total cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels
Can improve cognition and support memory
Can help reduce anxiety
There have been numerous peer review article in journals that have supporting all of the above bullet points. I recommend drinking one to three cups a day ( which is a lot lower than is consumed in China ) You can also consume a high quality green tea capsule with higher than 75 % of the active ingredient EGCG ( a polyphenol ) I promote herbal teas for many of the chronic disease that WE all suffer from in this toxic world.
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 SUPPLEMENTS FOR ENERGY
There are very few supplements therapies that have ever shown to increase or boost energy. These few supplements have a profound effect on the tissues they target. One of the most useful supplements is D- ribose with or without carnitine. Ribose is a unique and powerful addition to any regimen. I prefer to use D ribose as a powder or a liquid. There are few companies that combine in liquid D ribose and L carnitine.
There is a great way to dramatically improve your energy production. You must continue this regimen for at least 8 weeks ( the range is 6 - 12 weeks)
These are:
1. D ribose - 1 scoop is 5 grams - minimal 1 scoop once a day to titrated up to 5 grams 3 times a day
2. L carnitine - 2500mg per day up to 5,000 per day
3. Coenzyme Q 10 - the minimal is 200mg to 400mg. Studies recommend taking with a fatty meal. We use a variety of coenzyme Q10 preparations, I have also used chewable Coenzyme Q10- 300mg/day
4. Magnesium ( I prefer magnesium taurate) 200mg/day To ease anxiety you could use magnesium with theanine
5. B complex- either can be either B50 or B100. I would use a methylated version of B12 and folic acid as there are a percentage of patients who have a mutation and need the methylated form.
6. Some suggest acetyl L carnitine- I use this for the brain rather than l carnitine for heart and muscle. Some use 500mg twice a day for at least 6 weeks. To be honest I rather use L carnitine.
Until tomorrow....
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 HERBAL INFUSIONS
One of the most liberating things about herbalism is to grow your own herbs or wildcraft your herbs and make them into medicine. I feel it nourishes your body and heals your body. I either make tinctures, salves, balms or just plain tea infusions with the herbs. In my garden I grow an excess of lemon balm, mint, and bee balm. I grow culinary herbs as rosemary, thyme, onion, garlic, and sage. There are some herbs that have been there in the yard since i moved in like nettles, pokeroot and licorice
As a herbalist, or rather a human being is that I realize when using herbs that I have either grown or wildcrafted…Iam taking from a living organism — a plant. I do it with the utmost respect and love. This warms my heart in a way that I feel happy, joyous and free.
If you have ever made a cup of tea, you have made an infusion. An infusion is made by pouring hot water over the plant or herb and let it steep. I find tea infusions to be a great way to heal one’s body. I mix tea infusions and use them in my daily practice- I formulated tea infusions for different ailments. These tea mixtures have been carefully made by using organic fair trade herbs. Each blend has a different name- GUTSY, LOVELY, ACHEY , STREAMLY AND SNEEZY.
They might sound like Snow White’s seven dwarfs. Check them out by calling Botanical Bounty at 646 723 1823.
Be creative…Be brave… Be healthy
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 FLAX
And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid." LUKE 23:53(King James Version)
Flax (also known as common flax or linseed) (binomial name: Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent.
Most people consider Flax to be used for bowel issues (laxative) and to reduce cholesterol. I doubt you thought it is a flowering plant. I utilize Flax to help with colitis (I.B.S.), osteoarthritis and eczema. It is effective against autoimmune disorders, as well as multiple sclerosis and cancer. The studies of Flax include reduction in the bad cholsterol (LDL), reducing post eating glucose levels (called post prandial) and decreasing markers of inflammation (CRP, ESR). Why is it used in heart disease? Its high content of Alpha Linolenic Acids has made the ancient Flax seed become our modern miracle food. Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) is a type of plant-derived Omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish like Salmon. Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant) and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in Flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease. The available forms of Flax in capsules, oil, powder and even soft gel. Some use the seeds and use 2 1/2 teaspoons ground twice a day. Every individual has a different dose. IMPORTANCE: Flax seed oil is not the same as Flax seeds. Flax seed oil is a concentrated source of ALA, which has been questioned for its potential association of increasing prostate cancer risk.
Until tomorrow...